JERUSALEM — Israel's prime minister is reaching out to Europe for support in pressuring Iran over its nuclear program ahead of talks.

An Israeli government official said Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the French President and the British Prime Minister this weekend.

Netanyahu said sanctions imposed on Iran are close to "reaching their objectives" and should be increased. The official spoke anonymously as he is not allowed to discuss the issue.

Iran's new president has adopted a softer tone to the West in a move that critics dismiss as a trick aimed at removing biting sanctions.

Talks on Iran's nuclear program are set to resume in Geneva next week.

Israel views a nuclear-armed Iran as a threat to its very existence. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful.